We live in zone five b, just north of Toronto. I'm wondering what kind of damage this extremely cold winter will have on the plants that are just on the cusp of our zone. Does anyone know what sort of plant damage will occur in our garden? Or do I not need to worry because we've got plenty of snow cover? Any insight would be appreciated!

The snow will certainly help insulate your plants, but with this prolonged extreme low temperatures will have an effect on exposed shrubs etc.....for example, you may find that some shrubs such as hydrangeas, lilacs may not bloom due to the damage of the flower buds or have tip die-back on their stems.Other plants that you may have planted that are recommended for a warmer zone may not make it....

But take heart, plants are pretty resilient and may come through with slight damage...

I've been thinking this exact same thing, as we planted a new dogwood tree in the fall. We did put burlap around some stakes to insulate it, as the nursery owner suggested, but I sure hope it survives!

Thanks, Ian. I hope you're right. I can live without blooms but would be heartbroken to lose whole trees or shrubs. We've got a lot of stuff that shows zone 5 as the coolest zone compatible. Holly, Japanese Maples, Boxwood, Redbud... The list goes on and on. Fingers crossed.